280 Louisianans have tested positive for COVID-19, 196 of those in New Orleans as the state substantially increased it’s testing capacity over the past few days.
Governor Edwards says people should mentally prepare for the possibility of enhanced mitigation measures, as they become necessary to slow the spread of coronavirus.
“Hopefully it will not be necessary to do that for the state, but it may be necessary to do that in certain localities, and I think that is what you have seen in a few places, I don’t think you have seen any statewide shelter in place,” says Edwards.
Several cities and counties nationwide have ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses for a several week period as their cases increased.
The state has established a staging area for coronavirus patients who don’t need ICU care at Bayou Segnette. Edwards says they are considering doing that at other state parks as well.
“We are looking to have places where we can house individuals while they need to isolate because they don’t need hospitalization but they are positive in all regions of the state,” says Edwards.
The Governor has deployed 400 National Guard soldiers in response to the crisis, many of whom are manning posts at Bayou Segnette.
Lake Bistineau and Chicot State Park are also being considered for use in COVID quarantines, but Edwards says finding room isn’t the biggest problem, it’s finding enough healthcare workers.
“We have folks at LDH working across the state of Louisiana to identify every possible healthcare worker we can to identify this task,” says Edwards.
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